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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Illustrate the meaning of "Every Dark Cloud has a Silver Lining" (without using the actual phrase or literal example). (02/28/08)
The first chapter of James says we should count it all joy. Everything that we put our hand to should work towards building our character, our lives, and the character and lives of others. This includes every trial and temptation that we face day to day. Sometimes we would choose not to have such struggles but in fact they develop us just like a picture. We are only the vague outline of ourselves until life "works" on us in the darkroom of events and circumstances.
We can choose our outcomes much of the time by looking for God beyond the trouble. We can achieve whatever we set our eyes upon. As difficult, as fearful, and as uncomfortable as storms are we can often determine how they will shape us. Will the darkness make us hard-hearted, reclusive, and self-seeking or will it cause us to rise up, focussed on God's plan for us, looking to Him for strength to keep going? Will we allow ourselves to lie down and be defeated or at least fight with everything in us, to reach towards the light and the joy that awaits us?
As long as God is in our lives, actively sought after and obeyed, there can be no darkness. Like the sun, even if at times we can't see it, it's always there. He's always there but we must choose.
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This article has been read 672 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Lynn Jacky 
03/08/08
Hi Great message - Thank you so much - excellent writing keep up the good work.
Shirley McClay
03/10/08
I love James! You have done a very nice job here. Thank you for sharing! To help us as readers, try breaking it up into smaller paragraphs. It makes it easier to read and more interesting! And focused was mispelled... but I loved your comparison to the photos and darkroom. Excellent.
Laury Hubrich 
03/10/08
This is a very nice devotional. You really spoke to my heart tonight. Thank you for sharing.
Laury
Jan Ackerson
03/10/08
You've chosen a wonderful chapter for this topic--just before my daughter went through a horrible personal experience, she was led to memorize that chapter.

How about adding some personal anecdotes, to give this devotional "feet"?
Joshua Janoski
03/10/08
I really liked the darkroom analogy. You have some great thoughts. I would have liked for you to elaborate and include more of your thoughts on this. Still, you did a great job. Keep on writing!